You probably knew this one for years now, but a study conducted by NPD just had to make it official: The average age when children start using consumer electronics has dropped from 8.1 years to 6.7 years, with the majority getting into computers and mobile phones in the early goings.

According to the study, children get into the usage of these products due to educational and entertainment reasons. Most schools now teach kids computer subjects, allowing them to gain a headstart and start using their home computers, which a lot of American families already have.

In addition to PCs, cellular phones and digital media players are carried by children when they're out of the household. Mobile phones have been marketed on the ground of keeping track of children, and parents have caught on to the idea quickly with the security of their little ones in mind.

Video games are also popular with children. Some of these can be accessed and enjoyed by kids even before they learn to read, often with engrossing results. In addition to popular consoles such as the Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360 and  the Sony PlayStation 3, handheld game machines such as the Nintendo DS and the Sony PSP are also favorites in the youthful demographic.

The exact impact of this trend on how society as a whole behaves is still unknown, but some psychologists suggest usage in moderation for children when it comes to consumer electronics to allow kids to develop in a more well-rounded fashion.